The Themblise language is both a written and spoken language. As I have a bad case of “worldbuilder’s disease,” I have purposefully not created this language or its alphabet. However, that doesn’t mean that there are not underlying, unspoken rules that I have created.
Phonics
In the Themblise language, the sounds and letters j, v, w, x, and z are not commonly used. In fact, any names that have these letters generally hint that this place has been influenced by the surrounding provinces. Sejon, Ireen’s father, has the letter j in his name, as he was originally born in the neighboring region of Darid. Jaisom, who also has a j in his name, was born in Themble. However, his mother, Valencia, was born in Darid. The Bevenkras Mountains and the former Bevenkras monarchy show their influence from the region of Farsni through the letter v. The major religion in Themble, Raviekanism, also shows its initially foreign roots through the letter v.
Names
Most Themblise names end in either n, m, t, l, or a vowel:
Names ending in n: Ireen, Gren, Sanson, Suebin, Nenen, Croon.
Names ending in m: Jaisom, Talem, Pem.
Names ending with t: Lent, Enut, Zepet, Morent, Isbit (capital city of Croon).
Names ending with l: Burdell, Cohel, Faill, Borrel (former capital city of Pemembras)
Names ending with a vowel: Luca, Neto, Antona, Marla, Carcella, Golgi.
Themble is a region that has loose gender roles. This is reflected in names, as most names can be used for either gender.
Surnames are uncommon and only given to those with power, influence, or as a reward for a heroic action. Surnames are passed down to future generations with no regard for gender. If both parents have surnames, than whichever surname has more prestige is the one formally announced, while the second surname acts as a middle name.
Instead of surnames, creatures are usually identified by their hometown, street, or career, even their specie. Ireen, for instance, may introduce herself as “Ireen of Borrel” if out of town, “Ireen of Seabird Street” when within city limits, or “Ireen, chef at Carcella’s” anytime. Usually, however, locales or career identification is only mentioned in formal situations or if there are more than one creature by the same name. These identifiers are sometimes shortened, such as “Borrel Ireen,” “Seabird Ireen,” or “Chef Ireen.”
Cities and towns are usually named after their founders, influential creatures, or are given descriptive names based off of its history, geography, or flora and fauna.
Slang, Exclamations, and Idioms
Here are some common slang, exclamations, and idioms used in Themble:
- Mundie/Mundane – “I can’t believe you dropped Ma’s favorite pot! You’re such a mundie.” To accuse someone of being a mundie is to say that they are idiotic and/or slow, like a mundane animal.
- Sparks! – “Sparks! I can’t believe you got the job!” “Sparks! What were you thinking?” An exclamation, used in both positive and negative situations. References the spark or essence of Ravieka that is believed to be in every living thing.
- Sparking – “That sparking unicorn is brilliant!” “Oh man, her almond cake was sparking! I couldn’t get enough of it.” An emphatic declaration. References the spark or essence of Ravieka, typically in a positive manner.
- Growth and decay! – “Growth and decay, what am I going to do?” A typically negative exclamation. Refers to the “growth” and “decay” runes carved into Raviekan statues or tattooed onto priests.
- Decay! or Ravieka’s decay! – “Decay! I hate that man!” “Ravieka’s decay, I am going to kill her when she gets home!” A sharply negative exclamation considered inappropriate by most parties. Refers to the “decay” rune carved into Raviekan statues or tattooed onto priests.
- Decaying – “I can’t believe I decaying lost!” A foul adjective or adverb that is incredibly rude. A derivative of the curse word, “decay.”
- Fey – “He’s Fey. I’ve no respect for someone who kicks puppies.” A serious accusation of being cruel, selfish, or a liar. Based off of the belief that the Fey are monsters, and that they have the inability to feel compassion.
- Silver-laced – “Don’t trust him or his silver-laced words.” An adjective used to describe something that is deadly by comparing it to silver.
- By the stars! or Stars! – “By the stars, it worked!” An positive exclamation. Comes from the Raviekan mythos, as the stars were supposedly the deity’s first creation.
- The bread has a spot of mold – “The bread has a spot of mold in that business.” Means that a family or business has a person or situation that is frowned upon or shameful. Often shortened: “Lerot’s a spot of mold on his family. I can’t believe they let him run wild.”
- Fish guts! – “That’s a ship of fish guts. Don’t trust anything she says.” An exclamation or an adjective used to describe something that is as rank as fish guts that have been left out in the summer.